Russian oil giant Yukos faced being torn apart after bailiffs said they would sell off its main operating arm to settle a $3.4bn bill for back taxes.

Analysts said it was the worst-case scenario for the firm, which has been trying to agree a deal with the authorities over payment of the bill.

Many Russians believe the legal moves against Yukos are politically motivated.

The company's main shareholder and ex-chief funded opposition groups and is now on trial for fraud and tax evasion.

It's the worst-case scenario... Frankly, it's similar to performing a heart transplant on a man with a cough

Maxim Shein, Brokercreditservice

"It seems excessive," said Stephen O'Sullivan, co-head of research at brokerage UFG in Moscow.

"They've gone right to the heart of Yukos - it almost seems like a pre-emptive strike to destroy the company."

Maxim Shein, of Brokercreditservice, said the plan would "destroy the integrity of the company".

"It's the worst-case scenario," he said. "Frankly, it's similar to performing a heart transplant on a man with a cough."

Steven Dashevsky, head of research at Aton Capital, said: "Yukos is now going to experience
privatisation in reverse, seeing its prized asset being sold at
likely pennies on the dollar."

Quick sale

Yukos claimed that the government was planning to sell off the unit, Yuganskneftegaz, at far below its market value.

It said it had information that the price for Yugansk would be just $1.75bn, despite reserves it valued at $30.4bn.

The unit accounts for 60% of Yukos' total oil output.

Ex-chief executive Mikhail Khodorkovsky remains behind bars

The justice ministry said in a statement: "After valuation, the share stake in Yuganskneftegaz will be handed over to a special organisation for sale."

UFG estimates the value of Yugansk at about $11bn, even after a discount for a quick sale.

This is far in excess of the $3.4bn in back taxes the court has ordered Yukos to pay so far, or tax officials' total demand of almost $7bn for two tax years.

On Monday the firm lost a court bid to stay the bailiffs' demand. A court said it could appeal - but only on 6 September. Until then, it must pay up.

Yukos has said that it is unable to pay the tax bill immediately because its assets are frozen by court order.

Threat

Supporters of both Yukos and Mr Khodorkovsky have long charged that the 2000 tax bill - another similar one could be enforced for 2001 as well - is politically driven.

Mr Khodorkovsky's political ambitions posed a threat to the administration of President Vladimir Putin, they argue.

KHODORKOVSKY: THE CHARGES

Theft with conspiracy

Malicious failure to obey a court order

Damage to property rights via fraud with conspiracy

Repeated corporate tax evasion with conspiracy

Personal tax or national insurance evasion

Repeated forgery of documents

Appropriation or embezzlement of property with conspiracy

Source: Reuters

They see the hounding of Yukos as a warning to Russia's other "oligarchs" - the men who bought up the country's big companies at fire-sale prices in privatisations during the 1990s - to stay off the political stage and avoid investigation of their financial affairs.

Mr Khodorkovsky, meanwhile, is shuttling between jail and the courtroom where his trial is being heard.

On Tuesday, prosecutors began to set out their case in detail against him and a key business associate, Platon Lebedev.

Both men face seven counts of fraud and tax evasion and could face 10 years in jail if convicted.

In court on Friday, Mr Khodorkovsky described the accusations against him as "shameful".